Conference table

ABSTRACT

A conference table includes a work surface supported by at least two supports and a plurality of receiving slots positioned generally beneath the work surface and accessible from at least one side of the conference table. The receiving slots are configured to receive electronic racking units therein, and include electrical connections for electrically connecting a power source to the racking units when the racking units are inserted into the receiving slots. The racking units are securable in the receiving slots and are generally concealable within the receiving slots via at least one movable cover. The table may include a plurality of lights positioned around the table and movable between a raised position, where the lights may illuminate the work surface, and a lowered position, where the lights may be positioned generally beneath the work surface. The table may include an accessory well for movably housing an accessory within the well of the conference table.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to conference tables and, moreparticularly, to conference tables at which electronic accessories anddevices may be used or connected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide a conference table that includes a large worksurface that may provide for electrical connection or power supply to acomputer or laptop or the like positioned at the table. The conferencetable may include a plurality of outlets and/or communication wiring ornetwork or video cabling that may be accessible from the work surface.The outlets or connectors may be provided for plugging in a computer orthe like while the computer is placed on the work surface. The outletsand connectors may be positioned within a channel along the work surfaceand may be covered with a removable cover. An example of such a table isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,983.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a conference table that may receive orhouse a plurality of racking units or electronic accessories therein.The conference table may include electrical power supply connectors orother communication links and the like to the racking units as theracking units are received into the respective openings in theconference table. The conference table may also provide for otherelectrical connections, such as power connections, telecommunicationconnections, video and network connections and the like, for otherelectronic accessories and the like that may be positioned at theconference table. The connections may be readily accessed through one ormore openings in the tabletop or work surface of the conference table.The conference table may also include one or more accessory wells forholding one or more electronic accessories therein. The wells may beraised upwardly so that the accessory is positioned generally at orabove the tabletop or work surface, and may be lowered down into theconference table and closed over, such that the accessory is positionedwithin the well and covered by a cover generally at the work surface.The conference table may include lights or other accessories as well toprovide an enhanced work surface at which the people sitting around theconference table may work or confer.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a conference table fora plurality of people to confer at includes a tabletop or work surfacesupported by at least two supports and a plurality of receiving slots orshelves positioned generally beneath the tabletop. The receiving slotsare accessible from at least one side of the conference table and areconfigured to receive electronic racking units therein. The receivingslots include electrical connections for electrically connecting one ormore electrical wires to the racking units when the racking units areinserted into the receiving slots. The wires may connect to a powersource and/or other electrical accessories or units at or near orassociated with the conference table. The racking units are securable inthe receiving slots and are selectively concealable within the receivingslots via at least one movable or removable cover.

The receiving slots may be positioned within, beneath and along at leastone side of the work surface and/or may be positioned within a columnthat defines at least one of the supports of the work surface. Theconference table may include at least one accessory connector that ispositioned within a recess of the work surface and that is accessiblefrom above the work surface. The accessory connector is configured toconnect to an accessory and may be connected to an electrical powersource or communication link. The recess may receive an accessorytherein and may be selectively accessible via opening a cover that ismovably positioned at and at least partially over the recess. The recessmay include a movable platform that may support an accessory and that ismovable between a lowered position, where the platform and the accessoryare at least substantially within the recess, and a raised position,where the platform and the accessory are elevated such that theaccessory is at a level generally coplanar with the work surface.

The conference table may include a plurality of microphones spaced alongthe work surface for receiving vocal signals from a person sitting nearthe respective microphone. The microphones may be fixedly mounted to thework surface and may be positioned at least partially within and along atrim strip along the work surface. The conference table may include aplurality of lights that may be vertically movable between a raisedposition, where the lights function to illuminate at least a portion ofthe work surface, and a lowered position, where the lights arepositioned below the work surface and substantially concealed by a coverportion of the lights. The lights may be automatically activated whenmoved to the raised position and automatically deactivated when moved tothe lowered position. Each of the lights may include an elongated upperbar that houses the illumination source of the light. The elongatedupper bar may define a cover portion that generally corresponds with theupper surface of the work surface at or around the light when the lightis in the lowered position. The lights may be positioned along a trimstrip of the work surface, such that the cover portions of the lightsgenerally correspond with the surface of the trim strip at either sideof the lights.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a conference tablefor a plurality of people to confer at includes a work surface supportedby at least two supports, a plurality of work stations defined at leastpartially around the work surface, and a plurality of lights along thework surface. Each work station is configured for a person to sit at,and the lights are positioned generally at respective ones of the workstations. The lights are vertically movable between a raised position,where the lights function to illuminate at least a portion of the worksurface at the respective work station, and a lowered position, wherethe lights are positioned below the work surface and substantiallyconcealed by a cover portion of the lights. Each of the lights isindependently vertically movable.

Therefore, the present invention provides a conference table that mayhouse or receive a plurality of electronic accessories or racking unitstherein, and that may provide for electrical or telecommunicationconnections to the racking units and/or other accessories. Theconference table of the present invention thus provides for enhanced andconvenient storage for audio and/or visual equipment where they may beeasily or readily accessible by a person sitting at the conferencetable. The conference table of the present invention also provides forreadily accessible connections for various electronic devices and, thus,provides an enhanced work surface at which people may work with theirlaptops and the like.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of thepresent invention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conference table in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the conference table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one end of the conference table of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the opposite end of the conference tableof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end elevation and partial sectional view of the conferencetable of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of another conference table of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of another conference table of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another conference table of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the conference table of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of another conference table similar to theconference table of FIGS. 8 and 9, with the lower shelving removed;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of an end of a conference table of thepresent invention, with a projector raised upwardly by a retractablewell of the conference table;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another conference table of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is an end elevation and partial sectional view of an accessmodule for use with the conference table of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the access module of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another conference table of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one of the modules or bays of the tableof FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another conference table of the presentinvention, with a power module positioned along a center portion of thetable;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the power module of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of another conference table of the presentinvention, with a plurality of microphones positioned along the trimstrips of the conference table; and

FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the trim strip and microphoneof FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depictedtherein, a conference table 10 includes a work surface or tabletop 12and a pair of generally vertical legs or columns or supports 14, one ator near each end of the conference table 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, supports 14 comprise columnsupports that include a plurality of equipment racks or shelves orreceiving slots 16 for holding a plurality of electronic accessories orracking units 18 (FIGS. 2 and 4). Conference table 10 may also include alower shelf or trough 20 that extends generally along and beneath worksurface 12 and that includes one or more equipment racks or shelves orreceiving slots or racks 22 for receiving additional electronicaccessories or racking units 18. Conference table 10 may include a coverpanel 24 for selectively accessing and concealing racking units 18 incolumn supports 14, and may further include movable or removable coverpanels 26 for selectively accessing and concealing the racking units 18in the lower channel 20. Conference table 10 may also include one ormore accessory or power or communication modules 28 positioned generallyalong a center portion of the work surface 12 and accessible by peoplesitting by conference table 10, as discussed below.

Work surface 12 may be supported on supports 14 by a pair oflongitudinally extending beams or support members 30 that extendsubstantially the length of the work surface and that at least span thegap between the supports to provide support over substantially theentire length of the work surface 12. The beams 30 may comprise ametallic material, such as an extruded aluminum material, and mayconnect to a plurality of side braces 32 (FIGS. 2 and 5) that may extendoutwardly from the beams 30 to provide additional support toward thelateral sides of the work surface 12. The work surface 12 is thussupported by the beams 30, braces 32 and supports 14, and thus maycomprise a lighter weight or less rigid material than conventionaltabletops or work surfaces, without affecting the structural integrityof conference table 10. As shown in FIG. 5, beams 30 may includesflanges 30 a, 30 b extending laterally inwardly therefrom for engagingcorresponding grooves or flanges 28 a of the center accessory modules 28and for engaging flanges or lips 20 a of the lower shelves or troughs 20to support the various accessories/racking units and electronicconnections and circuitry that may be implemented with the conferencetable 10, as discussed below. Because the beams are spaced apart alongand below the work surface, the accessory or center modules may bepositioned at a generally central region of the work surface and betweenthe beams, such that the accessory modules and the like may extend belowthe work surface, yet may be substantially hidden or concealed by andsupported by the beams.

Although shown in FIGS. 1-5 as having a pair of column supports 14 atopposite ends of the table, clearly other support configurations for theconference table may be implemented, without affecting the scope of thepresent invention. For example, a conference table 110 (FIG. 6) mayinclude a center column support 14 and a pair of leg supports 14′ atopposite ends of the table, or a conference table 210 (FIG. 7) mayinclude three leg supports 14′ spaced along the conference table, or aconference table 310 (FIGS. 8 and 9) may include just a pair of oppositeleg supports 14′. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, theconference table 310′ is substantially similar to conference table 310,but does not include the lower trough or shelf for receiving andsupporting racking units along and generally underneath the work surfaceof the conference table. The conference tables 110, 210, 310, 310′ areotherwise substantially similar to conference table 10, discussed indetail herein, such that a detailed discussion of the conference tableswill not be repeated herein. The similar components and modules and thelike of the conference tables are shown with similar reference numeralsin the associated drawings. In each embodiment, the work surface andsupport members or beams may be substantially similar, with differentvertical supports or legs or columns supporting the beams and worksurface, which may in turn support different accessory or centermodules, lights, lower channels or troughs, and the like at and betweenthe beams, depending on the particular application of the conferencetable.

As best shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 12, conference table 10 may include theelectrical wiring 33, such as power cords or cables and/or data cablesand/or other communication lines or cables or the like routed throughand along the conference table and substantially concealed therewithin.The wires and cables and cords 33 connect the various connectors oroutlets 33 a or the like of the center modules 28 of the conferencetable to an output wire or connector 33 b that connects the electricalor communication system of the conference table to a power source orcommunication network or the like. The conference table thus may bepositioned in a conference room and the connectors 33 b for electricalpower and communication signals may be plugged into or connected to theappropriate wires of the conference room, whereby the multiple outletsand communication lines and the like of the conference table willreceive the power and data and the like via that connection. Because thewiring 33 and connectors 33 a, 33 b are routed along the conferencetable 10, the accessories or racking units may be readily connected tothe power source or appropriate network or the like without requiringseparate wires to be individually run from each accessory to the desiredpower source or network connections.

As best shown in FIGS. 2-5, racking units 18 may be attached to thebrackets or racking attachments 16, 22 of conference table 10 tosubstantially fixedly, yet removably, retain the racking units 18 toconference table 10. The column supports 14 and the lower troughs 20 mayinclude racking attachments 16, 22, respectively, for receiving theracking units therein. The racking units 18 may be readily inserted intothe racking attachments 16, 22 of the column supports 14 and lowertrough 20, whereby the electrical connections to the correspondingwiring may be made as the racking units are inserted into the rackingattachments.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, racking units 18 may comprise typicalracking units having a front panel and controls and a mounting plate atthe front panel for connecting or securing the racking unit to therespective brackets, such as via fasteners or the like. The rackingunits may comprise electrical circuitry and connectors, which may not becontained within a casing or housing, and which may readily connect tocorresponding connectors or wires of the conference table. For example,the racking units may include plugs or connectors or wires that readilyconnect to the corresponding connectors or wires of the conference tableas the racking units are inserted into the shelving areas of the columnsupport or lower trough, such that additional wiring connections andcables or cords or the like are not required. The connectors of theconference table may connect the racking units (such as via the wiring33 routed along the conference table) to appropriate outputs or controlsor circuitry at the table to achieve the desired connection andoperation of the racking units.

Racking units 18 thus may be electronically connected to the appropriateconnectors and wiring as they are attached to the racking bracketry 16,22. The wiring may be routed in and along the conference table 10 whenthe table is assembled, as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.The racking units and racking shelving or receiving slots of theconference table thus provide for connection of the desired electronicaccessories or units to the conference table without requiringindividual wiring of the components after they are positioned at theconference table. The racking units may provide for various audio andvisual equipment that may be desired to control speakers and/or otheraudio equipment and/or projectors, cameras and/or other video equipmentor the like, without affecting the scope of the present invention.Because the electrical wiring is already installed in the table, andbecause the racking units may be readily connected to the electricalwiring as they are inserted into or received into the racking shelves,the conference table 10 may be readily configured to have the desiredcomponents or accessories or racking units at a desired locationdepending on the particular application of the conference table 10,without requiring individual or separate wiring for the components to beinstalled after the table is assembled.

After the racking units 18 have been installed and secured to theracking brackets 16, 22, the covers 24, 26 may be positioned at theracking units to generally conceal the racking units within the columnsupport 14 or lower trough 20, respectively. The covers may be readilyremoved or opened by a person sitting at the table to access the rackingunits or accessories. For example, the covers 24, 26 may be readilyremoved from the conference table to provide access to the rackingunits, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the lower trough 20 may include a flange orlip 20 a for engaging a corresponding groove or lip 30 b of elongatedbeams 30 to attach the lower trough 20 to the beams 30 of conferencingtable 10. The lower trough or channel 20 thus may be readily installedto conference table 10, if desired, by slidably inserting the lip 20 ainto the groove or channel 30 b. Optionally, the lower trough may bereadily removed from the table if such a configuration is not desired ornecessary for the particular application of the conference table (suchas shown in FIG. 10).

Conference table 10 may also include one or more center modules 28,which may also be mounted to or attached to or supported by the flanges30 a of the longitudinal beams 30, such as shown in FIG. 5. The centermodules 28 may include an accessory compartment or well 34 for receivingand storing various equipment or accessories, such as laptop computers,keyboards, remote control devices, projectors, telephones and/or thelike. The storage well 34 may provide a generally fixed shelf (notshown) that may be positioned beneath the level of the work surface 12and may support the equipment or accessory therein. The storage well 34may include a cover 36, such as a pair of synchronized doors 36 a, tosubstantially close the well and conceal the accessory or equipmenttherein. In the illustrated embodiment, the doors 36 a are gull wingtype doors that may pivot to a generally vertical and open position, andthat may retract or slide downwardly along the sides of the well to bepositioned substantially at or below the level of the work surface whenin the opened position, such that the well is substantially open foraccess to the equipment or accessory contained therein.

Optionally, the storage well may comprise a retractable or adjustablewell 38 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 11) that may house or receive other accessoriesor equipment, such as projectors and the like. Retractable well 38 mayinclude an equipment support platform 38 a (FIG. 11) that may bevertically adjusted to move the platform 38 a and the accessory 39supported thereon between a lowered position, where the platform and theaccessory are positioned within the conference table and generally orsubstantially below the work surface 12, and a raised position (as shownin FIG. 11), where the platform 38 a and the accessory 39 are positionedgenerally at or above the level of the work surface 12. The platform 38a may be electronically controlled, such that the platform may be raisedor lowered in response to a user input, such as a switch or button orthe like, which may be positioned inside the retractable well 38 orelsewhere at the conference table. The retractable well 38 may besubstantially covered or concealed by a pair of synchronized doors 40 orthe like, which may open and close (such as in a similar manner asdiscussed above with respect to doors 36) as the platform is raised orlowered. In the illustrated embodiment, the retractable well ispositioned toward an end of the conference table, such that when theaccessory 39 is a projector, and the projector is raised to itsoperating position at or above the work surface, the projector mayproject toward a projection screen 39 a without having other accessoriesor doors of other modules of the conference table interfere with theprojected image. However, a retractable well and any accessory orequipment contained therein may be positioned elsewhere along theconference table, without affecting the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, the center modules 28 of the conference table of the presentinvention may include one or more access modules 42 (FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and12-14), which may be substantially concealed behind a pair of gull wingdoors 44. Each access module 42 may provide multiple electrical outlets42 a (FIG. 14), telecommunication connectors 42 b, such as RJ-11connectors, RJ-45 connectors and/or the like, and/or other connectors orinterface cards or the like as may be desired for the particularapplication of the conference table. As shown in FIG. 14, one or moreblank interface cards 43 may be provided within the access module 42,and may be removed and replaced with the desired connections and linksor the like as desired. The access module or modules 42 thus provide forelectrical and telecommunication connections for laptops and otherdevices that people may utilize at the conference table, and may bereadily accessible by opening one or both of the doors 44. The cord orplug or connector or the like of the device may then be readily pluggedinto the appropriate outlet or connector of the access module to providethe electrical or telecommunication connection to the device. Theinterface cards and connectors 42 c of the access module 42 may beconnected to the appropriate wiring 33 that is routed within and alongthe conference table 10, such that additional wiring is not needed toconnect the various devices to the appropriate power source ortelecommunication link or the like.

The access modules may provide power connections and voice/dataconnections concealed beneath the dual gull wing doors 44, which maycomprise a metallic material, a veneer material or a glass material orthe like. The access modules may be provided in various lengths,depending on the particular application of the conference table. Eachaccess module may be equipped with multiple outlet receptacles and RJ-11(voice) and RJ-45 (data) snap-in connectors, all of which may beaccessible from either or both sides of the access module. The quantityof receptacles and connectors may be selected and changed depending onthe length of the access module and/or on the length or application ofthe conference table. The access module or modules may also be equippedwith blank interface cards, which may serve as the mounting platform foradditional separately specified voice or data connectors or the like, asmay be desired after the conference table is assembled.

Optionally, the center modules 28 of the conference table of the presentinvention may further include a fixed shelf 50 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 8 and12), which may provide a platform or shelf at the center portion of thetable for supporting commonly used equipment or components, such as aspeaker telephone or the like. The speakerphone or the like may bepositioned on the shelf 50 and, thus, may not have to be moved into andout from the different access modules or retractable wells or storagewells or the like of the conference table. The wiring or electricalconnections to the speakerphone or other accessory positioned at thefixed shelf may be readily connected to the appropriate connectors atthe access module adjacent to the fixed shelf.

Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, conference table 10 mayinclude one or more, and preferably a plurality of, presentation lights52 positioned along one or both sides of the center modules 28. Thelights may be selectively and independently raised and lowered toprovide illumination (when raised) and to substantially conceal thelights (when lowered) when they are not in use. The presentation lights52 may be activated to provide ancillary lighting to illuminate the worksurface area in the vicinity of the lights, such as when the conferenceroom lights may be dimmed, such as for presentations or the like. Forexample, each light may be positioned at a respective work station (anarea at which a person may sit and work during a conference at thetable) and may be independently raised/lowered and activated/deactivatedby a person sitting at the respective work station to provide selectiveillumination of the work station as desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, the presentation lights 52 include agenerally horizontal upper bar 52 a that houses the illumination sourceor light bulb 52 b or the like. The upper bar 52 a is connected betweena pair of generally vertical supports 52 c to support the upper bar andthe illumination source generally above the work surface when thepresentation light is in its operable position. As can be seen withreference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the presentation lights 52 may be raiseableand lowerable between a lowered position, where an upper surface 53 ofthe upper bar 52 a of presentation light 52 may generally correspondwith the work surface 12 or a trim strip or rail or trim portion 54along the center modules 28, and a raised position, where theillumination source is positioned above the work surface. Preferably,the trim rail 54 and the presentation lights 52 share the same aestheticupper surface details, such that when the presentation lights are intheir lowered position, the trim rail and presentation lights provide asubstantially uniform trim strip along one or both sides of the centermodules. In the illustrated embodiment, the presentation lights may bevertically adjusted via sliding of the vertical supports 52 b along andwithin corresponding channels or raceways within the conference table,such as between the center modules 28 and the support beams 30.

The presentation lights may be raised and lowered via a touch andrelease mechanism, whereby pushing downward on the presentation lightwhen it is in its lowered position releases the light, such that thelight may raise upward to its raised position in response to a biasingmember or spring or the like within the presentation light and/orconference table. Optionally, pressing the presentation light andallowing the presentation light to be raised to its elevated positionmay also function to activate the illumination source, such that thepresentation light is on when in its raised position. Pressing downwardon the presentation light to move it back to its retracted or loweredposition may then also function to deactivate the illumination source toturn off the presentation light when it is stored in the conferencetable.

Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the conference table of thepresent invention may also or otherwise include a plurality ofmicrophones 56 positioned along the trim rail or trim rails 54 along thecenter modules 28. The microphones may comprise a microphone system thatprovides enhanced reception of people's voices at various locationsalong and around the conference table to provide for enhancedteleconferencing capabilities and the like. In the illustratedembodiment, low profile microphones 56 may be installed on or partiallyin the trim rail 54, with the wiring to the microphones running alongthe trim rail to an appropriate connector or wiring within the accessmodules or other center modules of the conference table, or to one ormore connections for connecting to one or more of the racking unitspositioned at or inserted in the column support or lower shelf of theconference table. The low profile microphones may receive less tabletopsound reflections over conventional microphones, and may be used inconjunction with an automatic/gated mixer that automatically deactivatesall of the microphones of the system except the one that is receiving avocal signal, thereby further enhancing sound clarity of the microphonesystem.

Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the conference table mayinclude a plurality of access or tech bays or modules 60 spaced alongthe conference table that provide for connections of accessories orequipment, such as laptops and the like, to corresponding receptaclesand connectors and jacks 62 within the bays 60. The tech bays 60provides for easy tabletop accessibility to the power and voice/dataconnections and may feature a flip-up door 64 that conceals the powerand voice/data connections 62 when it is closed. The number of baysalong the conference table may be selected depending on the length ofthe conference table and particular application of the conference table.The connectors 62 of bays 60 may be connected to the appropriate wiring33 of the conference table via plugs or connectors 68. Optionally, thebays 60 may include gripper grommets 66 at one or both sides thereof tofacilitate receiving and holding cords and cables that may be routedinto the bay or out from the bay and underneath the conference table.

Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a generally centralrelocated power center 70 may be provided along the conference table andmay provide multiple power receptacles 72 and voice/data jacks 74 forconnections to the appropriate accessory or equipment at the conferencetable. The power center 70 may be concealed by an access cover plate ordoor 76 that may substantially cover and conceal the power center, butthat may allow the cords to the accessory or equipment to be routedtherethrough, such that the power center may be utilized while stillbeing covered and, thus, may provide an aesthetically pleasingappearance to the conference table when in use. The length and number ofreceptacles and connectors of the power center may vary and may beselected depending on the length of the conference table and/or theparticular application of the conference table.

Because the center modules and lower channels or troughs may be readilyinserted into the channels or grooves extending along the beams (asshown in FIG. 5), the conference table of the present invention may beassembled in different configurations depending on the desired featuresand particular application of the conference table. For example, aconference table may be assembled with the well or wells at a centerregion if desired or with or without the lower channel or trough (whichmay be provided if racking units are desired along the conference tableor if the trough may be necessary or desired to cover or hide the wellsif they extend substantially down under the work surface). The wires andcords and cables and the like may be routed along the modules and/orbeams to the desired locations while the modules and beams areaccessible and before the work surface is attached to the beams and/ormodules. After the selected modules and lights and microphones and trimstrips are arranged in the desired manner on the work surface and alongthe beams, the beams (and the work surface and modules attached thereto)may be attached to the desired or selected or appropriate columnsupports and/or leg supports to complete the assembly by the conferencetable.

Therefore, the present invention provides a conference table that may beconfigured to have one or more storage wells and racking units and powerconnections and telecommunication connections, depending on theparticular application of the conference table. The conference table mayreceive a plurality of racking units therein to substantially fixedlyretain the desired components and to provide the electrical connectionsthereto when the components or units are mounted to or attached to theconference table. The conference table may further include one or morestorage wells or retractable wells for receiving and storing one or moreaccessories or the like within the conference table. The conferencetable may also include multiple power and/or data and/or communicationconnections for readily connecting or plugging a cord or cable or thelike of a computer or laptop or accessory or the like to the appropriateconnectors of the conference table. The conference table may furtherprovide presentation lights for selectively illuminating an area or workstation of the work surface to provide enhanced illumination when thelights of the conference room may be dimmed, such as for presentationsor the like. The work surface and the modules and racking units andlights may be mounted to or attached to and supported by a pair oflongitudinally extending support beams, such that the work surface ortabletop of the conference table need not provide structural rigidity tothe conference table.

Changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments canbe carried out without departing from the principles of the presentinvention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of theappended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patentlaw.

1. A conference table for a plurality of people to confer at, saidconference table comprising: a work surface supported by at least twosupports; and a plurality of receiving slots positioned generallybeneath said work surface and accessible from at least one side of saidconference table, said receiving slots being configured to receiveelectronic racking units therein, said receiving slots includingelectrical connections for electrically connecting a power source tosaid racking units when said racking units are inserted into saidreceiving slots, said racking units being securable in said receivingslots and being generally concealable within said receiving slots via atleast one movable cover.
 2. The conference table of claim 1, whereinsaid receiving slots are positioned beneath and along at least one sideof said work surface.
 3. The conference table of claim 1, wherein saidsupports comprise at least one column configured to house at least someof said receiving slots.
 4. The conference table of claim 1, whereinsaid electrical connections connect to a power supply via an electricalcord extending from said conference table.
 5. The conference table ofclaim 1 including at least one accessory connector positioned within arecess of said work surface and being accessible from above said worksurface, said accessory connector being configured to connect to anaccessory and being connected to an electrical power source or acommunication link.
 6. The conference table of claim 1 including atleast one recess formed in said work surface, said at least one recessbeing configured to receive at least one accessory therein.
 7. Theconference table of claim 6 including at least one accessory connectorpositioned within said recess, said accessory connector being configuredto connect to said accessory and being connected to an electrical powersource or a communication link.
 8. The conference table of claim 7,wherein said at least one recess is selectively accessible via openingof a cover that is movably positioned at least partially over saidrecess.
 9. The conference table of claim 8 including a movable platformthat is movably positioned in said recess, said movable platformsupporting said accessory at least partially within said recess.
 10. Theconference table of claim 9, wherein said platform is movable between alowered position, where said platform and said accessory are within saidrecess, and a raised position, where said platform and said accessoryare elevated such that said accessory is at a level generally coplanarwith said work surface.
 11. The conference table of claim 10, whereinsaid cover is positionable to generally cover said recess and saidaccessory when said platform is in said lowered position, and said coveris positionable to be remote from an opening of said recess when saidplatform is in said raised position.
 12. The conference table of claim11, wherein said platform and said cover are operated generally inunison, said cover being automatically moved to be remote from saidopening when said platform is being raised toward said raised position.13. The conference table of claim 6, wherein said at least one recessprovides at least one connection for providing electrical connection toa portable accessory positioned at said conference table.
 14. Theconference table of claim 1 including a plurality of microphones spacedalong said work surface for receiving vocal signals from a personsitting near a respective microphone.
 15. The conference table of claim14, wherein said microphones are fixedly mounted to said work surface.16. The conference table of claim 1 including a plurality of lightsalong said work surface, said lights being vertically movable between araised position, where said lights function to illuminate at least aportion of said work surface, and a lowered position, where said lightsare positioned below said work surface and substantially concealed by acover portion of said lights.
 17. The conference table of claim 16,wherein said lights are automatically activated when moved to saidraised position and automatically deactivated when moved to said loweredposition.
 18. The conference table of claim 16, wherein each of saidlights includes an elongated upper bar that houses an illuminationsource, said elongated upper bar defining said cover portion, said coverportion generally corresponding with the surface of said work surface atsaid light when said light is in said lowered position.
 19. Theconference table of claim 18, wherein said lights are positioned along atrim strip of said work surface, said cover portion of said lightgenerally corresponding with an upper surface of said trim strip. 20.The conference table of claim 1 including a pair of longitudinallyextending support beams, said support beams supporting said work surfaceand being supported by said at least two supports.
 21. A conferencetable for a plurality of people to confer at, said conference tablecomprising: a work surface supported by at least two supports; aplurality of work stations defined at least partially around said worksurface, each of said work stations being configured for a person to sitat; and a plurality of lights along said work surface, said lights beingpositioned generally at respective ones of said work stations, saidlights being movable between a raised position, where said lightsfunction to illuminate at least a portion of said work surface at therespective work station, and a lowered position, where said lights arepositioned below said work surface and substantially concealed by acover portion of said lights, each of said lights being independentlyvertically movable.
 22. The conference table of claim 21, wherein saidlights are automatically activated when moved to said raised positionand automatically deactivated when moved to said lowered position. 23.The conference table of claim 22, wherein each of said lights includesan elongated upper bar attached at an upper end of at least onegenerally vertical support, said generally vertical support verticallymoving along a track to vertically move said light between the raisedand lowered positions.
 24. The conference table of claim 23, whereinsaid upper bar houses an illumination source for illuminating said atleast a portion of said work surface.
 25. The conference table of claim24, wherein said elongated upper bar defines said cover portion, saidcover portion generally corresponding with the surface of said worksurface at said light when said light is in said lowered position. 26.The conference table of claim 21, wherein said lights are positionedalong a trim strip of said work surface, said cover portion of saidlight generally corresponding with an upper surface of said trim strip.27. The conference table of claim 21 including receiving slotspositioned generally beneath said work surface and accessible from atleast one side of said conference table, said receiving slots beingconfigured to receive electronic racking units therein, said receivingslots including electrical connections for electrically connecting apower source to said racking units when said racking units are insertedinto said receiving slots, said racking units being securable in saidreceiving slots and being generally concealable within said receivingslots via at least one movable cover.
 28. The conference table of claim27, wherein said electrical connections connect to a power supply via anelectrical cord extending from said conference table.
 29. The conferencetable of claim 21 including at least one accessory connector positionedwithin a recess of said work surface and being accessible from abovesaid work surface, said accessory connector being configured to connectto an accessory and being connected to an electrical power source or acommunication link.
 30. The conference table of claim 21 including atleast one recess formed in said work surface, said at least one recessbeing configured to receive at least one accessory therein.
 31. Theconference table of claim 30 including at least one accessory connectorpositioned within said recess, said accessory connector being configuredto connect to said accessory and being connected to an electrical powersource or a communication link.
 32. The conference table of claim 31,wherein said at least one recess is selectively accessible via openingof a cover that is movably positioned at least partially over saidrecess.
 33. The conference table of claim 32 including a movableplatform that is movably positioned in said recess, said movableplatform supporting said accessory at least partially within saidrecess.
 34. The conference table of claim 33, wherein said platform ismovable between a lowered position, where said platform and saidaccessory are within said recess, and a raised position, where saidplatform and said accessory are elevated such that said accessory is ata level generally coplanar with said work surface.
 35. The conferencetable of claim 34, wherein said cover is positionable to generally coversaid recess and said accessory when said platform is in said loweredposition, and said cover is positionable to be remote from an opening ofsaid recess when said platform is in said raised position.
 36. Theconference table of claim 35, wherein said platform and said cover areoperated generally in unison, said cover being automatically moved to beremote from said opening when said platform is being raised toward saidraised position.
 37. The conference table of claim 21 including aplurality of microphones spaced along said work surface for receivingvocal signals from a person sitting near a respective microphone. 38.The conference table of claim 21 including a pair of longitudinallyextending support beams, said support beams supporting said work surfaceand being supported by said at least two supports.
 39. A conferencetable for a plurality of people to confer at, said conference tablecomprising: a work surface; a pair of longitudinally extending supportmembers that extend at least partially along an underside of said worksurface to provide support of said work surface; at least two generallyvertical supports supporting said support members; a plurality ofreceiving slots positioned generally beneath said work surface andaccessible from at least one side of said conference table, saidreceiving slots being configured to receive electronic racking unitstherein, said racking units being securable in said receiving slots; aplurality of lights positioned along said work surface, said lightsbeing vertically movable between a raised position, where said lightsfunction to illuminate at least a portion of said work surface at therespective locations of said lights, and a lowered position, where saidlights are positioned below said work surface and substantiallyconcealed by a cover portion of said lights; and a recess in said worksurface and a movable platform movably positioned in said recess, saidmovable platform supporting an accessory at least partially within saidrecess, said platform being movable between a lowered position, wheresaid platform and said accessory are within said recess, and a raisedposition, where said platform and said accessory are elevated such thatsaid accessory is at a level generally coplanar with said work surface.40. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said receiving slotsinclude electrical connections for electrically connecting a powersource to said racking units when said racking units are inserted intosaid receiving slots.
 41. The conference table of claim 39, wherein saidelectronic racking units are generally concealable within said receivingslots via at least one movable cover.
 42. The conference table of claim39, wherein each of said lights is independently vertically movable. 43.The conference table of claim 39, wherein said lights are automaticallyactivated when moved to said raised position and automaticallydeactivated when moved to said lowered position.
 44. The conferencetable of claim 43, wherein each of said lights includes an elongatedupper bar attached at an upper end of at least one generally verticalsupport, said generally vertical support vertically moving along a trackto vertically move said light between the raised and lowered positions.45. The conference table of claim 44, wherein said upper bar houses anillumination source for illuminating said at least a portion of saidwork surface.
 46. The conference table of claim 45, wherein saidelongated upper bar defines said cover portion, said cover portiongenerally corresponding with the surface of said work surface at saidlight when said light is in said lowered position.
 47. The conferencetable of claim 39, wherein said lights are positioned along a trim stripof said work surface, said cover portion of said light generallycorresponding with an upper surface of said trim strip.
 48. Theconference table of claim 39, wherein said movable platform ispositioned along a generally central region of said table and betweensaid pair of support members.
 49. The conference table of claim 39including at least one accessory connector positioned within saidrecess, said accessory connector being configured to connect to saidaccessory and being connected to an electrical power source or acommunication link.
 50. The conference table of claim 39, wherein saidat least one recess is selectively accessible via opening of a coverthat is movably positioned at least partially over said recess.
 51. Theconference table of claim 50, wherein said cover is positionable togenerally cover said recess and said accessory when said platform is insaid lowered position, and said cover is positionable to be remote froman opening of said recess when said platform is in said raised position.52. The conference table of claim 39, wherein said at least one recessprovides at least one connection for providing electrical connection toa portable accessory positioned at said conference table.
 53. Theconference table of claim 39 including a plurality of microphones spacedalong said work surface for receiving vocal signals from a personsitting near a respective microphone.